subject: Putting Education First: Obama Grants [print this page] Taking advantage of educational opportunities is a smart way to be successful. Even before he became President, Barack Obama spoke about the need to make education a priority. Grants and scholarships are just the beginning of efforts to try to make over higher education.
One familiar part of the economic meltdown is the rise in college tuition and other costs. College costs can really add up especially when money for things besides tuition and housing is considered. Many potential students suffer and are unable to afford to go to college. Single moms are especially affected in a bad way. Educating women and single moms is important to increase the workforce and help provide for children and families. More scholarships for single moms is one way to improve the situation. Because of his efforts many people now refer to Federal Pell Grants as Obama grants. To help with university costs, a student can earn more than $5,000. For mothers and other students, this is increase of available money is valuable help. Tuition, books, travel and school supplies are all expenses that students can cover with grant money.
Another worthwhile program is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Under this incentive program, education costs up to $4,000 are cleared. Especially for less expensive schools, $4,000 could be a significant help for a student. A grant and a tax break could be just the thing to help students like working single moms. Study options are wide open. Moms and students of all kinds can go to school with a little less to worry about.
Obama's efforts to improve education show that he takes this issue seriously. Through the recent stimulus package, many undergraduate and graduate loans will be less of a burden. There is more government emphasis on properly preparing students for their future at all levels of education. There is also emphasis on encouraging more students to consider community college. To attend a 2-year college has a number of benefits, including saving money and learning a trade or skill.
In his Reclaiming the American Dream speech in 2007, Obama said, "We need to put a college education within reach of every American. That's the best investment we can make in our future." So far Obama's actions are backing up his words. Scholarships for moms are only a small part of the mission to help educate more people. Traditional and non-traditional students alike have numerous opportunities to put their education first.
